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Nordic World to Buy Dutch Format Group Absolutely Independent

The deal is expected to be finalized ahead of television market MIPTV in March.

Scandinavian television group Nordic World has signed a deal to acquire a majority stake in Dutch reality TV producer Absolutely Independent for an undisclosed sum.

The deal, which both parties said should be finalized before international TV market MIPTV in March, would see Absolutely Independent merge with Nordic World, creating a new European format giant. Absolutely Independent has some 125 produced formats in its catalog, including Find My Family, The Phone, The Exit List and Who Am I?, which have sold to multiple territories.

The agreement includes an option for Nordic World to take full control of Absolutely Independent in three years.

Nordic World CEO Espen Huseby said that the merged company will be rebranded ahead of MIPCOM in October. The new group will have a more international focus, he said.

Nordic World is following the lead of numerous European TV production groups in trying to set up a global production and distribution network. The company, owned by Scandinavian broadcasters TV2 Norway and TV4 Sweden, is focusing in particular on English-speaking markets.